The Question of Marian Devotion

Well, let's just jump in. From childhood, I was taught (and now accept as an adult) that Jesus was the "the Way" to God, and all that that entailed (eternal life, whether it be in heaven or on earth, forgiveness of sins, or simply being able to speak to Him in prayer and bring Him my concerns). The verse often quoted to me, and speaking specifically of prayer( check context here) was,

For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus..." 1 Timothy 2:5

The Catholic belief on Mary (which needs clarification here by a Catholic) has always flummoxed me(and most, if not all Protestants, although I am not ready to call those of Marian devotion "idol worshipers" just yet). If someone calls themselves a follower of Jesus and His Heavenly Father, how can they then call upon the name of Mary for help? Why look to Mary for intercession, when all the work has been done in Jesus?

-xapis

Let's Start off with a little illumination

Okay, here we are. A Catholic and a Protestant, who are friends and have found that they may not disagree on as many issues as they were told they should while growing up in their religious corners.So bring it on! What are THE issues? What can we agree on? What must we agree to disagree on?